WASHINGTON — It may be hard to believe, but the criminal sentencing for former statespeople Rod Blagojevich, Jack Johnson and his wife Leslie, occurred during the same week as International Anti-Corruption Day.
The U.N. first dedicated Dec. 9 to the fight against corruption in 2003.
“On this International Anti-Corruption Day, let us pledge to do our part by cracking down on corruption, shaming those who practice it and engendering a culture that values ethical behaviour,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison for running a pay-to-play environment in the Land of Lincoln, including auctioning off President Barack Obama’s then-vacant Senate seat.
Corruption and receiving bribes landed former Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson 87 months in prison on Tuesday. His wife Leslie stuffed $80,000 in her underwear and flushed a $100,000 check down the toilet when the FBI came to their house in November 2010. The former member of the Prince George’s County Council was scheduled to be sentenced Friday.
The U.N. campaign stresses that corruption is not solely the fault of the convicted parties. Check out the Against Corruption Today website to find out more about what you can do.
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